Dean’s Message

The falling leaves in Vancouver are a seasonal sign that our semester will soon be coming to close at UBC, with final exams just around the corner and students looking forward to the next challenge in their career.

In this Fall 2025 issue of ReachOut, you can read about how our students and faculty members are pursuing unique learning experiences and new research projects, some with global implications.

Our cover story features Dr. Alannah Young, who has developed curriculum centred around the land as the primary source of knowledge, culture, language and well-being. Together with Elders and Knowledge Keepers, Dr. Young teaches at the Centre for Land-Based Education, Research and Wellness at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm at UBC Farm. This unique venue in LFS enables students to engage in hands-on learning through harvesting and gardening, and participate in place-based storytelling and ceremonial practices.

Dr. Young co-teaches First Nations Health and the Traditional Role of Plants (LFS 340), Indigenous Food Systems in Canada (APBI 422), as well as the Indigenous Land-Based Summer Internship Program (APBI 497), all taking place at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm. She is also undertaking post-doctorate research that examines pedagogies developed by Elders in urban contexts to develop pedagogies for xʷc̓ic̓əsəm, working with Dr. Eduardo Jovel, Director of the Centre for Land-Based Education, Research and Wellness at xʷc̓ic̓əsəm.

Also, read about Dr. Zelalem Taye, a new Assistant Professor in Food, Forests, and (Bio)Fuels in LFS and Forestry who applies science to bridge ecology, agriculture, and community well-being. We are excited to have Dr. Taye join us with his unique research program that integrates genomics, microbiology, ecology, and data science – a real systems-approach – to build healthier and more resilient ecosystems.

In nutrition and health news, Dr. Crystal Karakochuk, who holds the Canada Research Chair (Tier 2) in Micronutrients and Human Health, joined a worldwide network of researchers through the Lancet Haematology Commission that aims to reduce anaemia. This starts with resetting targets – from a goal of 50% reduction by 2030 to a more realistic 12-22% – and addressing the complex factors that influence anaemia in different regions of the world. The Commission recently published Getting back on track to meet global anaemia reduction.

In addition, I found it invigorating to join the kick-off to this year’s LFS Mentorship Program – now celebrating its 25th anniversary – which is the longest-running program of its kind at UBC! Hundreds upon hundreds of LFS alumni have mentored our students, providing guidance and connection for students at the start of their careers. Thank you to all of our amazing alumni, and to the staff members who successfully run this important community-building program every year. LFS alumni are a very valued resource for our Faculty and students and we appreciate their commitment greatly.

Our LFS Alumni Hall of Fame recognizes those who have excelled in their fields and are contributing to a healthier and more sustainable future. This year, kudos to Marina (Nina) von Keyserlingk, BSc Ag ’87, PhD Animal Science ’95, for her exceptional dedication to transforming the way humans think about animal welfare, and to Parm Bains, BSc Ag ’79, for championing agriculture and providing leadership to the food-berry industry with innovation, resilience and his signature generosity.

I hope you enjoy these stories and the many others within this ReachOut edition.

Sincerely,

David Kitts

More News in the Faculty